It is important to vaccinate on time.

Are vaccines safe?

0:00 If you're a mom, dad or caregiver of a child it's important to know the facts about immunisation.

0:07 Before your child receives the vaccine it must meet the highest possible safety standards.

0:13 The safety of every vaccine needs to be demonstrated to the Therapeutic Goods Administration by the manufacturer before it can even be registered for use in Australia, and all ingredients in vaccines are fully tested for safety before they can be used.

0:28 After being registered for use vaccine safety is constantly monitored.

0:33 Like all medicines vaccines can have side effects.

0:35 Common side effects can include: fever or swelling or soreness at the injection site.

0:40 If these occur they usually go away within a day or two and can be managed with simple steps such as giving paracetamol.

0:46 It's important to remember that children often experience fevers, rashes, and can feel tired and unsettled for many reasons.

0:54 Even if these symptoms are present after receiving a vaccine it doesn't mean the vaccine caused them.

1:00 However it's best to discuss any concerns with your vaccine provider.

1:05 Reports of possible side effects made by parents and health professionals are carefully reviewed.

1:10 Any reported serious reaction is reviewed by the TGA.

1:13 In Australia, clinicians who specialise in immunisation actively monitor people who've been vaccinated in a range of health care settings, including general practices, community clinics and hospitals, to see if they have experienced any problems.

1:25 This system is called AusVaxSafety.

1:29 AusVaxSafety has captured information from over a million people in Australia.

1:33 The data shows that the rates of adverse effects after vaccination extremely low.

1:38 Immunisation is a proven safe and effective way protecting your child and others against serious disease.